On the interaction between the design and operation under uncertainties of a simple distributed energy system

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is toward a better understanding of the interplay between the design and the operation under uncertainties of a simple distributed energy system (DES), by analyzing the sensitivity of the operation strategy over the size of the assets. Design/methodology/approach A two-step framework is developed in this work: first, the equipment sizes are obtained solving an integrated design approach where an operation strategy Fd is embedded in a design loop; then, once the sizes have been fixed, the DES is evaluated with an operation strategy Fa (which can be the same as Fd). The operation strategies Fd and Fa are not necessarily the same, so the objective of the paper is to study the interplay between the design and the operation by varying the optimality level of the operation strategies in both phases. Findings The results show that the design of DES cannot be approached without considering its close relationship with the operation strategy. Indeed, the design method needs to be chosen according to the performance of the operation policy finally used in real life: no matter if the operation strategies are the same in both phases but they must lead to a similar level of optimality in terms of operating performance. Originality/value The originality of this work is to shed light on the importance of the operation strategy in the design procedure as it seems rarely addressed, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, in the literature. Indeed, most of the paper dealing with stochastic design of DES solves single large two-stage problems without discussing the way power flows are finally controlled in real life. The optimal design and operation of DES is rarely addressed conjointly, this study aims at bridging the gap between these two isolated scientific communities.

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